tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post5455242268229127656..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: NEW YORK TIMES PEDDLES LIES IN ARTICLEEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-62948842173278190202016-06-27T14:36:40.958+02:002016-06-27T14:36:40.958+02:00Hi Richard, I do not have any contact with him. Pe...Hi Richard, I do not have any contact with him. Perhaps some ex-EO chaps who read this blog may be able to assist you. Sorry about that.<br />Rgds,<br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-24169538869715176092015-12-31T01:24:38.014+02:002015-12-31T01:24:38.014+02:00Hi Eeben , I am looking for a friend that I went t...Hi Eeben , I am looking for a friend that I went to KES with in Houghton . He worked for Executive Outcomes called Craig Combrook. Do you have any news on Him. ? My name is Richard Fox I am on fb thanksRichX777https://www.blogger.com/profile/05897227135181074472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-36368185853253498542011-06-01T15:48:01.704+02:002011-06-01T15:48:01.704+02:00I last saw him in 1997, Mike and have no desire to...I last saw him in 1997, Mike and have no desire to see him again. I suspect the feeling is mutual. <br /><br />However, he did tend to look down on us from South Africa and imagined he was far smarter than anyone of us could ever hope to be. But, to each their own. You can put those bugs to bed now as he is not worth the worry. Besides, I think he may be sleeping with one eye open as there are many who want to have a quiet word with him after he left them in the lurch. <br /><br />The padre was there because the men asked for him. No one asked his opinion.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-89122652611209533882011-06-01T14:43:56.868+02:002011-06-01T14:43:56.868+02:00are you still in contact with simon mann in any wa...are you still in contact with simon mann in any way? i met simon mann once in cabo ledo, he was there to meet with pine pienaar and the brig. we were taking him back to the airfield to fly back to south africa?. he sat on the back of the chevy cheyenne and scoffed in a condescending manner that we were the only "mercs" with a padre.(quote unquote), i felt he disapproved of the fact that a chapelain was there. i am not a fantastically religious person but i felt ok with the presence of a "minister". to me it showed that the company were really worried or at least concerned about the guys "spiritual" side and it showed that we had structure and werent just a bunch of thugs. i felt that was what seperated us from others. this has been bugging me for years. i never forgot the tone in which he said it. we arrived at the flight line, i went about refuelling the king air and was glad to see it leave.<br />mike EO`s airwing petrol jockey.Mike Da Silvahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00046410281568294759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-86054178892883558312011-05-29T18:55:45.533+02:002011-05-29T18:55:45.533+02:00All blogs include an amount of ramblings, Mike. Af...All blogs include an amount of ramblings, Mike. After all, we use our blogs as our soapboxes, so don’t despair. <br /><br />You will be surprised at how many times I am contacted by governments asking if I am associated with so-and-so PMC. <br /><br />I would be honoured to sign your book.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-69792361201687818282011-05-29T12:53:40.524+02:002011-05-29T12:53:40.524+02:00thanks for the vote in confidence, however my blog...thanks for the vote in confidence, however my blog is just ramblings and silly inane crap that fumbles around in my head. you have become the voice of reason in this crazy pmc world. every "dude" and his dog believes themselves to be decendant of rambo. the reality of it all is a tad different. the fact that the press constantly badger you is testament to the fact that there are idiots out there mouthing off and "writing cheques" with their mouths and signing them with your signature. i suppose you have learned to ignore most of them but i am sure there are the few who are supposedly associated with "serious" news papers that must rile you and get your blood boiling? NYT maybe?<br />i am buying your book and would be super stoked if you would perhaps sign it for me? could i be so bold as to request you sign my copy?<br />mike.Mike Da Silvahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00046410281568294759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-17382355300072477412011-05-29T11:33:48.341+02:002011-05-29T11:33:48.341+02:00There were many forces behind the Ivory Coast regi...There were many forces behind the Ivory Coast regime change Private but I am sure we will not know the real facts for a long time to come. <br /><br />I am not really the master of my own diary as I do a lot of travelling and work. I sometimes think that I will be around for a few days and all that changes rather suddenly when a government calls me and I have to go. Nothing to do with “chilling” at all – simply work. <br /><br />As you may have seen, the NYT did a “correction”.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-22141098933565318622011-05-29T11:29:33.780+02:002011-05-29T11:29:33.780+02:00Yes, some did partake in it, GCU. In fact, I was c...Yes, some did partake in it, GCU. In fact, I was contacted by several ex-EO men who were told that it was an “EO mission” and they wanted confirmation thereof. When I told them that it was definitely not EO and warned them of the consequences, they never accepted the offer to join. Others who did take part have told me how they were lied to and some never even paid. <br /><br />Was I disappointed in their actions for taking part? Yes, I was disappointed but also sorry for them as I knew they had been lied to. EO became the scapegoat of the media, despite the fact that there were men involved from other companies as well – and EO had long ceased to exist. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-16358272058781318772011-05-29T11:23:34.320+02:002011-05-29T11:23:34.320+02:00Many thanks Mike. Your good wishes are much apprec...Many thanks Mike. Your good wishes are much appreciated. <br /><br />I am sure that your blog will soon explode and surpass mine.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-55068658406575231802011-05-29T11:21:14.727+02:002011-05-29T11:21:14.727+02:00It is amazing Alex. Of course, these so-called res...It is amazing Alex. Of course, these so-called researchers hide their lies with references such as “confidential interviews” or “classified sources” – this gives them free rein to lie as much as they want. But, the start of this all began with SA’s Mil Int clowns and then to the UN who saw EO as a massive threat to their money-making schemes in Africa. Also, the UN had fairly cosy relationship with the rebels in Angola and SL, so their reaction was not unexpected. One need only look at the performance of the UN in Africa and realise that a peaceful Africa does not suit their financial purposes. <br /><br />Of course, claims that EO had been paid in resources made for much more interesting reading than the facts. I will gladly give anyone who can deliver such proof 90% of the mine(s) that was given to me – I will only keep 10% of it and share it with the ex-EO men. I am sure this ought to motivate them to find the proof they so easily lie about. <br /><br />As for the NYT, they did publish a correction but it has not satisfied me at all. Given that we apparently committed crimes (that’s what coups are) I want more than just a simple correction from them.<br /><br />I am always well thank you. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-89489438857356434252011-05-29T10:31:39.505+02:002011-05-29T10:31:39.505+02:00I must confess that5 I don’t follow too many compa...I must confess that5 I don’t follow too many companies in terms of their work or backgrounds, Matt. Thus, I too am in the dark on Thor and R2. I hope someone associated with them reads your willingness to put their side of the story out there. <br /><br />Most timers it is better to ignore the media’s stories – except of course if they accuse you of committing crimes. I would replace your very diplomatic terms “factually incorrect” with “downright lies”. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-68294271797804773582011-05-29T10:19:05.874+02:002011-05-29T10:19:05.874+02:00It is all about control, John. Equipment is very c...It is all about control, John. Equipment is very costly and as the client purchases it, it should be controlled by him. This will not limit the future of the PMC but rather make it easier in terms of equipment control. It also gives less ammunition to those in the media who use their writing as an outlet for their conspiracy theories whilst desperately trying to champion the human rights of rebels, thugs and murderers. <br /><br />I believe that the PMC is there to fulfil a contract given it by the host government. They remain accountable to that government. If they fail, the prerogative to get rid of them lies with the host government. <br /><br />I note that the NYT story – along with my letter – has spread far and wide and I have had many emails supporting my actions. As you know, they did publish an apology but failed to apologise for accusing EO of very serious crimes.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-75108703863495219052011-05-28T20:12:44.351+02:002011-05-28T20:12:44.351+02:00There is no need to apologise sir 47. If I had to ...There is no need to apologise sir 47. If I had to write in French, it would be a complete disaster so I admire your determination. Besides, unlike my French, I can understand your English.<br /><br />You will find a lot of books on <br />http://www.galago.co.za/ and http://www.30degreessouth.co.za/. Not much has been written on the CCB – I started writing one but abandoned it for fear of compromising agents who worked for me. Some books give some information on the CCB but there is also a lot of speculation.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-11761691519943960542011-05-28T20:04:18.770+02:002011-05-28T20:04:18.770+02:00Thank you for your interest in the book but I do n...Thank you for your interest in the book but I do not think that my publisher plans to publish it in Germany, ateasemap. <br /><br />If you are interested in getting a copy, I would suggest you contact the publisher directly at http://www.galago.co.za/orders.htm<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-70129799207618665382011-05-25T21:46:13.154+02:002011-05-25T21:46:13.154+02:00Dear Eeben:
Do you suspect that some of your form...Dear Eeben:<br /><br />Do you suspect that some of your former employees joined in the coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea? If you know for sure that some did, does knowing this disappoint you in any way? I am just curious and thought I would ask. I understand if you do not feel comfortable answering this question. <br /><br />Sincerely, GCUgraycladunitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10299674299301793842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-85861483574749644602011-05-23T09:55:01.628+02:002011-05-23T09:55:01.628+02:00totally off topic. just wanted to compliment you o...totally off topic. just wanted to compliment you on hitting the 70000 views on your counter. thats quite an achievement. hell, i am still in my first millennium with 1500 or so. then again your posts are meatier and less erratic than my mental masturbation. way to go! now the bar is set at 100k.<br />many thanks for a good quality level headed blog.<br />mike THE DA SILVA CODEAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04008570891301616458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-10834562257823207272011-05-20T20:47:33.943+02:002011-05-20T20:47:33.943+02:00Hello Eeben,
It's amazing (or perhaps not) ho...Hello Eeben,<br /><br />It's amazing (or perhaps not) how much false and contradictory information there is on EO when you start digging around. I just finished a research paper on EO and trying to reconcile all the 'facts' from different sources to create a coherent picture of events is nigh on impossible.<br /><br />I too have read accusations of EO's involvement in coups (specifically in Sierra Leone), both EO supposedly allowing them to occur, and conversely preventing them. However, while I did find these facts in academic works rather than newspapers the referencing for the evidence was either non-existent or, in one intriguing example, stated as 'Confidential interviews, Spring 2001'. Seems that someone at least has no problem telling researchers that EO was indeed involved in these sorts of activities. I don't know if that's where your NYT hacks got their 'info', but it could be.<br /><br />I also found interesting but seemingly self-defeating references to EO having stakes in the diamond mines etc (those fun old claims that never seem to go away) and yet also being paid several months in arrears by the SL government, and going unpaid for one month (April 1996 if memory serves); all this in different works by the same academic. Why the company would go to war to secure resources upon which its payment was supposedly contingent and then not mind when it wasn't paid at all some of the time was never explained.<br /><br />Good luck with the NYT, but in my experience with research people only seem to go to much trouble on their main topic, and when it comes to subsidiary topics, such as EO's mention in the article on Prince, they're happy to stick in any convenient information. Hence what began as disinformation or just a good story to sell papers becomes self-replicating 'fact'. Sad but true.<br /><br />Hope you're keeping well (this whole affair aside).<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />AlexAlexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00570878230707886483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-64428620238987292652011-05-20T09:56:48.829+02:002011-05-20T09:56:48.829+02:00Hey guys, I am pretty much in the dark on Thor or ...Hey guys, I am pretty much in the dark on Thor or R2. So whatever is opensource right now, is all I know. I do know that I am getting a lot of readers coming out of the UAE, so if anyone at those companies wanted to make any statements, they are more than welcome to do so. I would have thought Prince would at least have made a public statement that would have corrected the record...seeing how the NYT's is in the game of publishing factually incorrect articles.matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-21057990299028267992011-05-20T04:44:42.141+02:002011-05-20T04:44:42.141+02:00Good Evening Eeben,
Interesting thread when I go ...Good Evening Eeben,<br /><br />Interesting thread when I go further down into the contract that Matt referenced. I gravitated towards the "equipment" portions of the SOW. Looks to be tight enough to keep control of the contractor - control the equipment, control the job. Of course if the client gets desperate an unscrupulous contractor could hide any number of niceties within the equipment requests to set-up a little fiefdom (I know, I sound like I am believing the corrupt media story).<br /><br />In regards to that do you feel that if the client is in control of the contractors equipment that the future of the PMC will be limited? Without an indigenous equipment source a company is always beholden to their host - which looks to be a very good control damper on any type of major coup activities. Of course I don't believe there is any lack of weaponry around so it all comes back to the men running the contractors business. Will they follow the EO model or will they mimic what the NYT thinks all PMC are?<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />John<br /><br />P.S. it is fascinating that there are multiple EO coup searches growing. Some may be allies though building cases in your support as various readers of your blog start spreading the word.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-83380542167253327722011-05-19T18:25:14.476+02:002011-05-19T18:25:14.476+02:00hello sir barlow
Sorry for my english im french i ...hello sir barlow<br />Sorry for my english im french i read your book and BloodSong(Jim Hooper)<br />i look for books on the CCB and the Barnacle project but impossible to find.Do you know books about the subject and Ivan the terrible Athol visser,not Devil Incarnate,i deja read.<br />Thanks<br />sir 47sir 47https://www.blogger.com/profile/06543582766502582685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-54579089522250389312011-05-19T10:38:11.555+02:002011-05-19T10:38:11.555+02:00Do you know if there are plans to publish your boo...Do you know if there are plans to publish your book "EXECUTIVE OUTCOMES – AGAINST ALL ODDS" in Germany? And if so, which is the publishing company?ateasemaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06190479759651397303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-145627547312233302011-05-19T06:29:29.818+02:002011-05-19T06:29:29.818+02:00Very interesting Jack. It seems as though there ar...Very interesting Jack. It seems as though there are some out there trying to now find proof other than the “cut-and-paste jobs” they apparently thrive on.<br /><br />I saw Matt had something of Thor on his site (feraljundi) – he might be able to shed more light on this.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-15389010196641653222011-05-19T02:52:55.646+02:002011-05-19T02:52:55.646+02:00I've been getting hits on my site for "ex...I've been getting hits on my site for "executive outcomes coup" as well. The NYT article certainly roused some interest in EO's activities. I've also gotten hits for "thor global enterprises, tortola" which was also mentioned in the article. Does anyone have any information on Tor? I attempted some research on my own as well and failed to turn up anything substantial.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-55220892303694293522011-05-18T09:30:05.570+02:002011-05-18T09:30:05.570+02:00Performance is what it all ought to be about Matt....Performance is what it all ought to be about Matt. Some PMCs sadly seem to regard performance as something that should never even be considered. As long as the clock ticks and the money comes in, all is accepted as okay. <br /><br />No matter what people may think of Eric Prince, one must admit that he has carried on with his dreams despite massive attempts to stop him. The continued references to religion in articles re his latest contract are apparently only aimed at sowing distrust with his client. In actual fact, religion has nothing to do with this. I see it as a form of petty jealousy by those who do feel threatened and do not wish for the sun to shine on anyone. Ironically, some of those seem to pose as “journalists”. I also find it strange that these so-called journalists feel that they must be given a say in who a country may appoint to train their armed forces. That is a government decision and not a media one.<br /><br />As you rightly point out, this is a very interesting chapter and it will be interesting to see where it leads to.<br /><br />As a side note, the New York Times have not yet had the courtesy to even acknowledge receipt of my letter. It is interesting to see on my blog stats that there have been some searches for “Executive Outcomes coups”...I wonder if they are now trying to find something to back their lies?<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-62028613604371517312011-05-18T08:15:15.118+02:002011-05-18T08:15:15.118+02:00I really liked the Interim Program Revue (IPR) pro...I really liked the Interim Program Revue (IPR) process and the Performance Bond. The bond concept has always made sense to me. Basically, R2 has incentive to perform and there is a process to ensure that the UAE get's their money's worth.<br /> <br />I mentioned this on the blog, and I think it would be pretty funny if today's modern military forces actually had to deal with same kind of contract mechanisms. To actually produce results and win the war or lose money and the contract to be that nation's military. It kind of reminds me of how you talked about EO being cost effective and winning wars 'on time and under budget'. Government forces really don't have that kind of mindset, pretty much because there is no one to compete with and no one willing to challenge the status quo of war fighting and military force. <br /><br />Which also brings to mind the ideas of Prince. He talked about the 'Fedex versus the Post Office' dynamic, and how private industry could do the same thing for today's military forces. The whole public/private competition thing, and a true 'private military company'. <br /><br />Perhaps his vision for private force will materialize in the UAE? Who knows, but this is a very interesting chapter in this industry, and he definitely has everyone's attention.matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645537637248773668noreply@blogger.com